Rowland, Ross sweep Elbert County commissioner race

Elbert County voters spoke loudly in the general election, handing Republicans Robert Rowland and Larry Ross seats on the county commission, both by overwhelming margins.

According to unofficial results as of 8:30 p.m. on Election Day, Rowland received 6,439 votes, or 68 percent, in the District 1 race, compared to Democrat and first-time candidate Jill Duval’s 3,091 votes.

The District 3 race went to Larry Ross, who defeated local attorney Lark Fogel.

Ross received 68 percent of the vote with 6,468 votes to Fogle’s 2,988.

Rowland, founder of the Elbert County Tea Party, touts more than 28 years' experience in several managerial positions at the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Newspaper Agency, including production, transportation and human resources.

Fourth-generation rancher Larry Ross is a Cherry Creek High School graduate, attended Colorado State University and has a resume that includes more than 30 years in real estate and facilities management.